The SAT is an approximately two-hour digital college admissions exam.
Our SAT Tutoring Program
Our educational approach to SAT preparation teaches the core concepts in critical reading, writing, grammar, and math required for solving the types of problems that recur on the test. We believe that preparing for standardized tests should not only improve scores but also equip students with the tools for enhanced performance across all their academic work.
Through rigorous, long-term preparation, we emphasize learning the material thoroughly and thinking critically about every question. Weekly meetings, assignments, and full-length, proctored practice tests help our students develop a deeper understanding of concepts and refine their problem-solving techniques.
Contact us to speak to a program consultant to discuss your goals and set up a diagnostic SAT.
Program Length
The precise length of our SAT program is tailored to the individual student based on multiple factors, including:
- the student's tutoring needs
- when the student begins working with us
- the student's goals
- the number of meetings the student has with the tutor each week
- the date the student plans to take the official test
We strongly recommend that a student plan to work with a tutor for an academic year or more to cover the material at a reasonable pace.
Reading and Writing
Our Reading materials help students learn to extract essential information from a given text. We have developed a series of vocabulary-in-context word lists representing the high-utility academic words and phrases that are specifically tested on the SAT. Students become more attuned to the significance of word choice and more adept at discerning an author's meaning—essential skills that remain useful as students continue their academic and professional careers.
Students master fundamental principles of grammar while developing a critical eye for spotting errors. They acquire skills that help them improve their accuracy on the SAT grammar questions and also identify and correct errors in their own writing.
Math
Our Math materials identify the mathematical terms and recurring math question types in algebra, problem solving and data analysis, and other math topics. Students will practice these concepts in targeted math worksheets, problem sets, and summary reviews.
Should students take the SAT or the ACT?
All major colleges accept the SAT and the ACT with equal preference. When deciding whether to take the SAT or the ACT, students should not speculate. Diagnostic testing and routine practice will dictate which test is best suited for the individual student.
We generally recommend that students complete a few months of tutoring before selecting to prepare for either the SAT or ACT. During this period, each student should take an SAT and an ACT diagnostic test. The results of the diagnostics in addition to the student’s preferences and goals will help us advise an appropriate test regimen.
In the first few months of the program, our tutors focus on imparting the core material—including math concepts, grammar rules, and reading skills—relevant to both the SAT and the ACT. After deciding which test better suits each student’s goals and abilities, our tutors will incorporate materials specific to the student's chosen test and develop a rigorous practice test schedule.
What are the differences between the SAT and the ACT?
The ACT and the SAT are both prominent college admissions tests. Both assess the educational development of high school students and the ability to perform college level work. However, the ACT and the SAT are different educational instruments with different emphases.
|
|
SAT |
ACT |
|
Scoring |
400–1600 composite scale |
1–36 composite scale |
|
Test Length |
Approximately 2 hours |
Approximately 3 hours (not including the optional essay) |
|
Verbal |
54 questions, in two 27-question, 32-minute modules Informational graphics included |
40 reading questions in 35 minutes 75 English questions in 45 minutes |
|
Math |
44 questions, in two 22-question, 35-minute modules Can use an approved calculator Approximately 75% multiple choice and 25% student-produced responses Trigonometry, radians, volumes, complex numbers, congruence and similarity, simple rational expressions, higher order equations, circle-related topics |
60 questions in 60 minutes Can use an approved calculator All multiple choice Arithmetic, algebra I and II, planar and coordinate geometry, trigonometry and precalculus including functions, conic sections, combinations and permutations, logarithms, and matrices |
|
Science |
No science section Science questions throughout the Reading and Writing and Math Sections |
40 questions in 35 minutes Interpretation and application of scientific data presented in tables, pie charts, bar graphs, scatter plots, etc. |
|
Essay |
No essay |
40 minutes Optional Writing and composition, analysis and development of an argument 4 scores:
|
|
Other |
No penalty for incorrect answers |
No penalty for incorrect answers |
How do SAT and ACT scores compare?
Concordance tools and tables are provided on the official SAT website.
|
Section |
Number of Questions |
Minutes per Section |
Content |
|
Reading and Writing |
54 questions, in two 27-question modules |
64 minutes, in two 32-minute modules |
Reading comprehension across a range of subject matter |
|
Math |
44 questions, in two 22-question modules |
70 minutes, in two 35-minute modules |
Emphasis on algebra, problem-solving and data analysis, and certain advanced math topics |
Download SAT Format and Timing as a PDF.
How is the SAT Scored?
- One Total Score, scaled from 400–1600, reflecting the student’s overall performance
- Two Section Scores, scaled from 200–800:
- Reading and Writing
- Math
When is the SAT Taken?
Most of our students take the SAT in the spring of their junior year and retake it in the fall of their senior year.
The SAT is offered seven times per academic year, usually in August, October, November, December, March, May, and June. International test dates may vary.
Upcoming SAT Dates and Registration Deadlines
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Accommodations Request Deadline |
| May 4, 2024 | April 19, 2024 | April 23, 2024 | March 17, 2024 |
| June 1, 2024 | May 16, 2024 | May 21, 2024 | April 12, 2024 |
To download this information as a PDF, click here.
For information about international testing, click here.
Tutors in New York, NY
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, LSAT, GMAT, GRE
J.D. from Harvard Law School.
B.A., magna cum laude, in Philosophy from Princeton.
Phi Beta Kappa; Outstanding Teaching of Harvard Undergraduates Award; Honorary Pi Eta Kappa Fellow; Former Student Volunteers Council Board Member; Former Director of the Jamesburg Correctional Institute for Boys Tutorial Program; Former Harvard International Law Journal Editor; Trustee on the Board of Prep for Prep; Former Vice President of the Board of Trustees of LEDA.
Founder and President of Advantage Testing and the Advantage Testing Foundation.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE
J.D. from Harvard Law School.
M.A. in Classics from Oxford University.
B.A., with high honors, in Classics from Princeton University.
Certificate of Distinction from Harvard’s Office of Undergraduate Education for Excellence in Teaching; Teaching Fellow at the Paideia Institute; Harvard Law School's Negotiation Workshop and Advanced Negotiation Seminar Teaching Fellow; Trinity School Alum.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, LSAT, GMAT, GRE, MCAT
M.B.A. in Finance from New York University, Stern School of Business.
M.A. in International Affairs from Columbia University, School of International and Public Affairs.
B.A. in History from Columbia University.
Money Marketers Thesis Award.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, LSAT, GMAT, GRE
B.A., magna cum laude, in Classics from Harvard University.
National Greek Exam Blue Ribbon.
Associate Director of Advantage Testing, New York.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, GRE, MCAT, SSAT, ISEE, Back-to-School Program
B.A., cum laude, in History and Science from Harvard University.
John Harvard Scholar; Elizabeth Cary Agassiz Award for Academic Achievement of the Highest Distinction.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT
B.A., summa cum laude, in Medical Anthropology from Princeton University.
University Center for Human Values Thesis Prize; Stanley J. Stein Thesis Prize; Senior Thesis Prize in Anthropology; Rudolf Virchow Undergraduate Award; Climate Health Fellowship at the Institute for Diseases and Disaster Management.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, LSAT, GMAT, GRE, MCAT, SSAT, ISEE
M.A. in Literature and Writing from the Bread Loaf School of English, Middlebury College.
B.A., cum laude, in English from Princeton University.
Tutor of: SAT
M.F.A. in Writing from Columbia University.
B.A. in English from Harvard University.
Phi Beta Kappa; John Harvard Scholarship for Academic Achievement of Highest Distinction; Elizabeth Cary Agassiz Scholar Award for Academic Achievement of Highest Distinction; Faculty-Awarded Merit Scholarship for Writing; Phillips Exeter Academy Valedictorian.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE, SSAT, ISEE
M.P.A. from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs.
B.A. in Religion from Barnard College.
Associate Director of Advantage Testing, New York.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE
M.A.T. in Secondary Math Education from Rice University.
B.S. in Civil Engineering from Villanova University.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE
M.S. (in progress) in Neuroscience and Education at Teachers College, Columbia.
B.A., magna cum laude, in Neuroscience from Dartmouth College.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, GRE, MCAT, SSAT, ISEE
M.A. in Education from Saint Peter’s College.
B.A. in Earth and Planetary Sciences from Harvard University.
Maple Hill High School Valedictorian; National Merit Scholar.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, LSAT, GMAT, GRE, SSAT, ISEE
M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.
B.A. in Pure Mathematics from Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music.
B.M. in Piano Performance from Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music.
Former Ph.D. Fellow in Music at The Graduate Center of the City University of New York.
Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives for Advantage Testing.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, LSAT, GMAT, GRE, MCAT, SSAT, ISEE
B.A. in English Literature and Philosophy from Georgetown University.
Studied Philosophy at King’s College London.
Phi Beta Kappa.
Assistant Director for International Programs and Director of Advantage Testing of the United Kingdom.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE, SSAT, ISEE
M.S.W., Hunter College School of Social Work.
B.A., cum laude, in Government and Economics from Harvard University.
Co-founder and Former Executive Director of Creative Arts Workshops for Kids; Adjunct Lecturer at Hunter College School of Social Work.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE
M.F.A. in Painting from Hunter College.
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Studio Art from Brandeis University.
B.A., cum laude, in Studio Art and Art History from Dartmouth College.
Adelbert Ames Award for Excellence in Fine Arts.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, LSAT, GMAT, GRE
M.M. from The Juilliard School.
B.A., cum laude, in Physics from Harvard University.
Harvard National Scholar; Magna cum laude Graduate of Horace Mann School; Joseph Chase Mathematics Award.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, LSAT, GMAT, GRE, MCAT, SSAT, ISEE
B.A., magna cum laude, in Music from Harvard University.
Dean’s List; Harvard College Scholarship for Academic Distinction; Robert C. Byrd Scholar; Arthur Smithies Prize; National Merit Finalist; AP Scholar with Honors; Harvard Book Award.
Head of Advantage Testing’s GMAT and GRE Programs.
Director of Advantage Testing of Westport, Advantage Testing of Philadelphia, Advantage Testing of Charlotte, Advantage Testing of Denver, and Advantage Testing of New Orleans.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE
M.A., with high distinction, in International Relations and Economics from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.
B.A., magna cum laude, in Political Science and Economics from Johns Hopkins University.
Attended Ethical Culture Fieldston School.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE
J.D. from the New York University School of Law.
M.S. in Elementary Education from Bank Street College Graduate School.
B.A., with honors, in English from Haverford College.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE
A.B., cum laude, in English from Princeton University.
Certificate in Visual Arts from Princeton University; Mary John Goree Creative Writing Scholarship; Alex Adam ‘07 Award; Former Cameraman and Researcher for National Geographic Studios.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT
M.A. in Education from Hunter College.
B.A. in History from Brown University.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE, SSAT, ISEE, Back-to-School Program
M.F.A. in Fiction from Hunter College.
M.A. in Studio Art & Art Criticism from New York University.
B.A., cum laude, in History from Columbia University.
Dean’s List; Gallatin School Valedictorian; New Visions Fund for Teachers Award; Grace Paley Fiction Fellowship; Center for Fiction Fellowship; Jerome Foundation Travel & Study Award to West Africa.
Tutor of: SAT, MCAT
M.D./Ph.D. (in progress) from Stony Brook University.
B.S. in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from Yale University.
B.A. in History from Yale University.
Postgraduate Research Associate in the Yale Immunobiology Department; National Merit Scholar.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, LSAT, GMAT, GRE, SSAT, ISEE
J.D. from Columbia Law School.
B.A. in Political Science from Yale College.
Partner at Eversheds Sutherland; former associate at Cravath, Swaine & Moore; James Kent Scholar; Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar; former Managing Editor of the Columbia Law Review.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, LSAT, GMAT, GRE, MCAT, SSAT, ISEE
B.S., cum laude, in French from Georgetown University.
Studied Literature at the University of Paris, Sorbonne.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE, Creative Writing Workshop
M.F.A. from Columbia University.
B.A. in Philosophy from Vassar College.
Hertog Research Fellow; Columbia University Departmental Fellowship.
Chief Communications Officer of Advantage Testing and the Advantage Testing Foundation.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE
B.A. in Linguistics from Harvard University.
AP Scholar with Distinction; National Merit Scholarship Finalist; U.S. Presidential Scholar Semi-Finalist.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, GRE, MCAT
B.A., cum laude, in Anthropology from Harvard College.
Postbaccalaureate Studies at Columbia University.
John Harvard Honorary Scholarship; Detur Book Prize; ALEX Award for Academic Excellence from National Alliance for Excellence; John L. Miller Great Neck North High School Valedictorian; USA Today All-Academic First Team; National Merit Scholar; AP Scholar.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE
M.A. in Teaching from Bard College.
B.A., with honors, in Mathematics from Washington University in St. Louis.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE
M.T.S. in the History of Christianity from Harvard Divinity School.
B.A. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton University.
Priscilla Glickman ’92 Memorial Prize Winner; National Merit Scholar; AP Scholar with Distinction.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE
Ph.D. (in progress) in Philosophy from The New School.
M.Div. in Philosophy from Princeton Seminary.
B.A., with Honors, in Philosophy from Southern Methodist University.
National Merit Finalist.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE, MCAT
Ph.D. in Physics from Columbia University.
M.Phil. in Physics from Columbia University.
M.A. in Physics from Columbia University.
B.A. in Applied Physics from Columbia University.
Writer and Host of PBS Space Time.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE, SSAT, ISEE, Back-to-School Program, Creative Writing Workshop
M.F.A. in Film Production from New York University Tisch School of the Arts.
B.A., cum laude, in English and Theatre from Princeton University.
Allan Downer Thesis Prize; John B. Lynch Scholar; Tisch School of the Arts Dean's Award; Warner Bros. Post-Production Award.
Tutor of: Bar Exam, LSAT, GRE, SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE
J.D. from Harvard Law School.
M.B.A. from the USC Marshall School of Business.
B.A., magna cum laude, in Philosophy, Political Science, and Psychology from California State University, Fullerton.
Horatio Alger Association National Scholar; UCLA Law Fellow Award; Cal State University Trustees' Award for Outstanding Achievement.; Harvard Latino Law, Policy, and Business Conference Co-Chair.
Associate Director of TRIALS.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE
J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School.
B.A., magna cum laude, in Psychology from Brown University.
Associate Director of Advantage Testing, New York.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, LSAT, GMAT, GRE, SSAT, ISEE, Academic Writing Program
Ph.D. in English from New York University.
M.T.S. from Harvard Divinity School.
B.A. in English and Religion from Oberlin College.
Former Board Chair and Current Board Member of LEDA.
Director of Advantage Testing of the United Kingdom and Associate Director of Advantage Testing, New York.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT
M.M. in Piano Performance from Yale School of Music.
B.A., summa cum laude, in Music from Yale College.
Phi Beta Kappa; Alumni Association Prize from the Yale School of Music; Ithaca College Choral Composition Contest.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE
M.Ed. and M.A. (in progress) in School Counseling at Columbia University, Teachers College.
B.A. in African-American Studies from Yale University.
Graduate of Hunter College High School.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, SSAT, ISEE, Bar Exam
J.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law.
B.A. in Rhetoric from the University of California, Berkeley.
Former Assistant District Attorney in Bronx County; Perennial Judge of the American Bar Association Moot Court Competition; Published in the New York Law Journal.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, GMAT, GRE, MCAT, SSAT, ISEE
Ph.D. in English and American Literature from Brandeis University.
M.Ed. in Alternative Education from Harvard University.
B.M. from the New England Conservatory of Music.
Published Author in The New Republic and The Boston Exchange.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, Back-to-School Program
B.A., magna cum laude, in History of Science from Harvard University.
Harvard College Scholarship for Academic Distinction; National Merit Scholar; AP Scholar with Distinction; Co-Director of Harvard Habitat for Humanity.
Head of Advantage Testing's High School Biology and Chemistry Programs.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, LSAT, GMAT, GRE, SSAT, Academic Writing Program
Ph.D. in Theatre from Columbia University.
M.Phil. in Theatre from Columbia University.
M.F.A. in Theatre from Columbia University.
M.A. in Theatre from Columbia University.
B.A., magna cum laude, in English and Theatre from Bryn Mawr College.
Marjorie Hope Nicolson Fellow; Mellon Summer Research Fellow; Shubert Presidential Scholarship; Kaye Theater Award; Columbia University Travel Award.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, MCAT
Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Columbia University.
M.A. in Science Education from Columbia University.
B.S. in Physics from Yale University.
Former International Academic Partnership Residential Science Workshop Designer and Director.
Tutor of: SAT, ACT, LSAT, GMAT, SSAT, ISEE, LSAT Class
A.B., summa cum laude, in Government from Bowdoin College.
Phi Beta Kappa; Michael Francis Micciche III Memorial Award; Philip Henry Brown First Prize in Extemporaneous Composition; Hilmer Oehlmann Jr. Award.